Setattheturnofthecentury,thestoryconcernsaPolishpoetlivinginCracowwhohasdecidedtomarryapeasantgirlTheweddingisattendedbyaheterogenousgroupofpeoplefromallstrataofPolishsociety,whodance,getdrunkandlamentPoland's100yearlongdivisionofPolandunderRussia,Prussia,andAustriaThebridegroom,apainterfriend,andajournalisteachinturnisconfrontedwithspectresofPolishpastIntheendacalltoarmsiscalledbutturnsouttobeahoax